Mission & History
At Sacramento State’s College of Continuing Education (CCE), our mission is to deliver dynamic learning experiences tailored to adult learners – bridging experience with opportunity, equipping students for the demands of today and the possibilities of tomorrow. We believe that learner-centered programs and services lead to individual, organizational, and community transformation.
Our North Star, the guiding purpose that defines our long-term direction and reflects the enduring vision that keeps CCE aligned and motivated, even as strategies and circumstances evolve, is to be widely recognized as experts on adult learners.
Our Guiding Principles
We value…
We are proactive, thoughtful, and intentional in working to achieve defined outcomes.
We effectively assess and respond with integrity, commitment, and resilience.
We respect and embrace our differences with a commitment to create belonging through a welcoming, safe, and equitable environment.
We bring together diverse perspectives and talents from our learners, colleagues, and partners to co-create shared solutions.
We promote wellness for ourselves, colleagues, and learners.
Strategies for Success
Empowering Adult Learners
With more than 75 years of experience, CCE has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of adult learners and the workforce, expanding access to education and professional growth opportunities. CCE provides entry points for learners returning to education, completing degrees, or exploring new academic and professional interests—making higher education more attainable at every stage of life.
Resources for Adult Learner Success
- Creating a home for adult and nontraditional undergraduates: A case study of an adult learner success center
- From Setback to Success: Meeting Comebackers Where They Are
- Increasing degree attainment in California: policy factors affecting the near completion population
- Supporting Adult Leaner Success in California
Our History
Celebrating 75 years of success (1951-2026)
Foundation
CCE began as Educational Services in 1951 with Stephen Walker as the first dean. Initial courses focused on professional development opportunities for K-12 teachers. The following year, the “Extension Division” of Educational Services was created, offering non-credit courses, conferences, and workshops.
Expanding Our Identity & Services
Educational Services was renamed Continuing Education in the early 1970s. That same decade, Travel Study began with a Spanish language program and Art & Architecture in Italy program as two of the initial offerings
Refining Our Mission
In 1982, Continuing Education became the Office of Extended Learning Programs (ELP). Before the decade was out, another name change would occur as ELP became the Office of Regional and Continuing Education (RCE).
Decades of Growth
The 1990s – early 2000s represented a period of growth and change for RCE with the addition of the Conference & Training Services group and a transition of non-credit offerings from community-oriented courses into professional development and workforce-oriented programming. During this time, the first distance learning and online courses were offered, providing additional flexibility for working professionals.
Connecting With Students Around the Globe
The Bachelor of Vocational Education (BVE) launched in 1994, allowing individuals to pursue a degree while earning college credit for work experience. (BVE evolved into the BS in Career and Technical Studies, offered in partnership with the College of Education.) At the start of the 21st Century, RCE began developing international and English-as-a-Second-Language programs. Early efforts included the Intensive English Program and leadership training for international executives. Today, the International Professional & Training Development Program continues the commitment to welcoming and supporting international learners.
A New Name, But the Same Mission
In 2002, RCE became the College of Continuing Education (CCE), Sacramento State’s eighth academic college. This elevation provided CCE with greater visibility both on campus and in the wider community. In allowing for more regular interactions with the University’s other colleges, CCE found greater opportunities serve more students through expanded program offerings and advocacy for the adult learner experience.
The Portfolio Program, a three-tiered education and innovation program for government transformation launched in 2006. Celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026, the program includes Leadership for the Government Manager, Leadership for the Government Supervisor, and Leadership for the Government Executive.
A Hub for the Community
In 2012, CCE became an American Heart Association (AHA) authorized training center, the first CSU with that status. Certification curriculum is included in CCE’s Emergency Medical Technical course and Paramedic programs.
2014 saw the launch of Summer Academies for High School Students, providing area youth with an early exposure to college life, hands-on learning, and career exploration opportunities. CCE’s commitment to youth programs continues today with Summer Youth Academies which serves 7th – 12th graders.
Providing Regional Leadership and Hope
In 2018, CCE and Align Capital Region hosted the inaugural summit on Educational Attainment for Working Age Adults at Sacramento State Downtown. This event inspired the development and launch of ProjectAttain! represented at Sac State by HornetAttain!
In 2022, Sac State, in partnership with CCE, launched the Sacramento K16 Collaborative to further advances ProjectAttain!’s efforts by bringing together education, industry, and community partners to create more seamless pathways from education to career for the region’s learners.
In 2025, CCE became a partner in launching Hornet Fast Track, a new initiative at Sac State that provides students with more flexibility to fit classes into their busy schedules through accelerated, fully online courses during the fall and spring semesters.
CCE remains committed to its guiding principle: To be widely recognized as experts on the adult learner experience.